Brandon’s Wave
You are receiving this letter as a friend or current/former
co-worker of Brandon Yates, his mom Susan, his brothers Warren and Justin or
perhaps a member of their extended family.
Brandon Yates is a 23-year old young man from Santa Barbara.
He recently was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma.
Translation: Brandon is in
for a long-haul battle with a very nasty form of cancer.
His initial surgery was on September 10, 2003 to remove a brain tumor.
He still has several other cancerous lesions on his brain, liver and
lungs related to this condition. He
has been accepted to a clinical trial at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles for a
treatment program that includes radio surgery and immunotherapy.
His first radio surgery was on September 24th.
He is scheduled for a second brain surgery in Los Angeles on October
10th, followed by immunotherapy and more radio surgery at Cedars Sinai and then
chemotherapy back at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara.
Brandon grew up in Santa Barbara.
He attended Monte Vista Elementary School and La Colina Jr. High and
graduated from San Marcos High in 1998. He
attended San Diego State, but most recently was putting himself through school
as an apprentice electrician while attending Santa Barbara City College.
Brandon is a well-known local athlete who has excelled in many sports.
He has recently focused his attention on surfing, enjoying considerable
success in West Coast surf competition. He
is a strong and upbeat person, ready for his challenging contest with cancer.
His positive attitude, discipline and commitment to the success of the
medical procedures ahead continue to inspire everyone around him.
We’re hoping this is one contest he wins hands down.
Many
of you receiving this letter are aware of Brandon's challenge and have already
demonstrated great support in a variety of ways. Others have called to ask what
they can do, wanting to be sure to do what will be most helpful to Brandon and
his family. A group of us (a small
part of a very large group you might call "Brandon's Fan Club" or
"BFC") have come up with some ideas, all of which we have run by
Brandon and Susan. They greatly appreciate this effort and as you would guess,
they are very humbled by the fact that so many people are so dedicated to
helping them. We have listed
things that would really make a difference and help them on a day-to-day basis.
Your support would be a blessing to them and their family.
1.
Brandon's Wave Fund
We
have set up a bank account for contributions. The Fund will be used for
payment of those medical expenses not covered by insurance, the costs of
travel and lodging for their numerous trips to Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles and
similar items relating to Brandon's challenge.
The financial need is substantial and ongoing.
Checks should be made payable to "Brandon's Wave Fund" and
mailed to: Brandon's Wave Fund,
c/o CDS, 4141 State Street, Suite A2, Santa Barbara, CA 93110.
We will give Brandon and his family a list of those who contribute,
but the amounts of individual contributions will not be disclosed.
Brandon and Susan will have total discretion on use of the funds.
2. Meals for Brandon and Susan
Brandon is living at home with Susan and is "eating
healthy", maintaining a diet that will maximize the intended effects of
his various therapies and the excellent physical condition that he has always
enjoyed. Brandon and Susan also
love good food! Many have asked if
they can deliver a meal and want to know what foods or ingredients are best
and what date or dates they can "sign up" for.
Just visit the web site for more information or you can call or email:
Sheila Lewis (805) 682-1871; sheilalew@cox.net) or Barbara Howell
(805) 682-2334; bhowell@silcom.com).
3. Communicate
with Brandon and his family
Brandon
and his entire family have been overwhelmed with the support and concern shown
by so many. There are times when they simply can't respond to all the calls or
spend the time they would like talking with all who call or stop by. A
great way to reach them is through a note to them on the web site.
Certainly call or write them directly if you prefer, but be aware that with
all of the medical procedures,
doctors' appointments, travel and other things going on, we are encouraging
them to focus their time and attention on the clear priority: Brandon's health
and successful battle with cancer.
4. Visit the
Web Site
A few energetic members of the BFC have set up a web site;
those of us not involved in its creation think it is a great idea. On it, you
can find a copy of this letter, some links about the technical aspects of
Brandon's medical procedures, a journal to let people know what procedures
have been completed and what is scheduled next, and details about Brandon's
Wave Fund, about cooking meals for Brandon and Susan and similar information.
We have talked with others who have used a web site in similar circumstances
and found it to be a remarkably effective way of giving interested people
basic information and a simple way to keep up with what is going on.
The web site is Brandonswave.com.
Thank you
so much for your interest. We look
forward to your joining us in rallying around Brandon and his family, keeping
them in our thoughts and prayers and supporting them in ways that each of us
choose.
With
Warmest Regards and Thanks,
Brandon's Fan Club
P.S.
We welcome your input and ideas.
Please just write us a note on the web site or if you prefer, send a
note to the address above for Brandon's Wave Fund.
Because of our time constraints, we have started this effort with a
limited initial mailing. You
probably know many others who would appreciate receiving a copy of this
letter; if so, please give them a copy or suggest they visit the web site to
learn how they can help. Thanks
again for your caring and support!